DHEA sulfate
Sources:
DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S) is a key hormone involved in various bodily functions and has garnered attention for its role in both men and women. Here's a summary of the relevant insights from experts:
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Supplementation and Dosing:
- Dr. Elana Zinkov suggests starting women with a low dose (5 mg) due to potential side effects like acne and oily hair. Regular monitoring is crucial, and doses can be adjusted based on absorption and hormone levels 1.
- Charles Poliquin emphasizes using sublingual products for better absorption and recommends plant sterols to naturally increase DHEA levels. Bolus dosages can lead to adverse effects like facial hair or male pattern baldness in women 2 3.
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Hormonal Resilience and Androgen Production:
- DHEA is a precursor to major sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen. It's often termed the "mother of all androgens," indicating its fundamental role in maintaining hormonal balance, especially as people age 1 4.
- Dr. Kyle Gillett highlights the importance of DHEA in adrenal function, especially for postmenopausal women, where it becomes a significant source of estrogen 5 6.
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Role in Stress and Cortisol Balance:
- DHEA serves as a resiliency factor to cortisol, often being depleted in times of stress. The cortisol to DHEA-S ratio is a vital marker for understanding stress impact on the body 7.
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Clinical Insights and Monitoring:
- Dr. Gillett advises checking DHEA-S levels rather than just free DHEA for a longer-term marker of adrenal health. He mentions DHEA supplementation could help those with slightly low testosterone or estrogen levels. Sourcing of the supplements is crucial to ensure efficacy and safety 8.
Understanding these aspects can help in optimizing DHEA supplementation and monitoring, thus supporting overall hormonal health. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
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